Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day! It's been all about the chocolate and the sweet treats here lately. Here are a few of the goodies we've been making and snacking on.

Flourless Chocolate Cake

Truffles

Rice Krispie Treats and Chocolate Covered Pretzels

Sugar Cookies

Every year we give our boys something sweet to celebrate the day. When they were little, we'd give them Valentine themed books,little toys,etc. Now that everyone is older, we stick to edibles. However, I tend to get a bit nostalgic sometimes as I walk up and down the store aisles that are filled with all types of fun items. All of my boys loved Nickelodeon when they were younger, so when I spotted this,I couldn't help myself. I bought it. My youngest is quite the artist/cartoonist, so I think he will get a kick out of it, and I know someone will eat the "Splat" gummies inside for sure. Seriously, who doesn't love the Rugrats?
  

This year, try to take a moment to be intentional about this day. Sure, we all love the candy ,cards ,parties and other fun things about Valentine's Day, but try to think outside the box for a moment. Take the time to do something kind and unexpected for someone else. Use this day to make someone else smile. This year I've donated Girl Scout Cookies to the military and to other charities. I've also sent e-cards to children at various hospitals around the country..it took all of 5 minutes and means so much! I found that idea on Andrea's Momfessionals  blog. We sent a beautiful floral arrangement to a relative who is battling Parkinson's and  made a donation to a high school classmate who has been battling cancer. She had another surgery yesterday and is really going through a tough time. These are just some ideas, but it can be as simple as paying for someone else's coffee,or picking up something sweet for someone who needs a little lift.What better way to celebrate Valentine's Day than by helping someone else?

However you choose to celebrate today, I hope it brings a smile to your face as well as the face of many others. For me, I get the most joy when I do something kind for someone else. I guess you'd call that intrinsic motivation...I truly enjoy making others happy. When I do things for others, it lifts my spirits as well, so it's a win-win for everyone!

   I hope your day is filled with love and naturally some chocolate.Have a sweet day!